Myerscough student battles serious illness to win prestigious agriculture award

Isabelle King completed her Level 3 Advanced Technical Diploma programme in agriculture this summer, aspiring to gain a triple distinction, despite battling two serious illnesses during her studies.

She has been named Myerscough Agriculture Student of the Year by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, and was presented with her award at this week’s Great Yorkshire Show in Harrogate. 

Not long after her programme started in 2021, Isabelle was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, battling through a number of debilitating symptoms to carry on her course.

Then earlier this year, Isabelle, who is from Colne, started experiencing severe headaches, and was further diagnosed with a tumour on her pituitary gland, which was found to be a benign brain tumour, and is currently still waiting on an operation date. 

Once again, Isabelle carried on with her studies and has completed her assignments to a high standard and sat her final exam in June on day release from hospital, returning straight back to hospital after taking her exam for further medical care. 

Isabelle’s tutor at Myerscough, Liz Johnson, said: ‘’Belle is a dedicated, self-motivated, confident, had-working student. 

‘’She has always been interested in agriculture and has established her own flock of Greyface Dartmoor sheep, along with working on a local dairy and sheep farm for the past six years.

‘’Despite her health issues, she has carried on with her studies and has completed her assignments to a high standard. She is one of the best students in agriculture, has always been positive and determined to succeed, regardless of what life obstacles come her way.’’

Congratulations, Belle, we’re very proud of you!